It’s important to look at your wardrobe as a whole. It should be a collection of pieces that relate to each other. If it isn’t, you’ll end up with a collection of items you love, but that are hard to pull together into outfits. This leads to the all too common feeling of having lots of stuff and nothing to wear. That’s why I suggest thinking about your wardrobe in terms of three wardrobe capsule archetypes: mix-and-match capsules, category capsules and activity capsules. It takes discipline to manage your wardrobe and plan your purchases this way, but you will reap the reward.

The capsule approach is not for everyone. And even if you do plan your wardrobe carefully it’s hard to always have it top of mind. It is useful to have shortcuts to help you make decisions while you’re shopping. One of these is what I call the wardrobe orphan prevention test. It has two steps, the first one being to ask yourself the following simple question before you make a purchase:

Can I think of at least three different, complete outfits that combine this item with other items in my wardrobe?

I went through this thought process when I recently purchased J.Crew’s Maddie Pant in red.

• It would work well with several of my white tops, combined with white footwear and a belt.
• I liked the idea of combining them with some of my light blue tops.
• I love blush with tomato red and white, so the red pants would work with my blush tops, blush belt, blush or white moto jacket, and white footwear.
• The red pants would work well with my citron trench coat and tops.

The number of potential outfits put my mind at ease, so I purchased the pants. 

Since outfits that you create in your head don’t always work out in practice, step two of the test is to try on the item in the outfit combinations you imagined and make sure that it has earned a spot in your wardrobe. 

My outfit creation session with the new red pants confirmed that they do work well with my white shirts and new white loafers and booties. They also look nice with my light blue pullover and shirts. They did not work with my blush tops because the silhouettes and weights aren’t the best match for the style of pants. I also didn’t fancy the pants with my moto jackets, but loved them with blazers and trench coats. So I started creating outfits with my ink blazer, seersucker blazer, tartan blazer and citron trench coat. These toppers, which I didn’t consider when I was looking at the red pants in store, opened up a whole new world of patterned and solid tops that I could work into the outfits. As a result, even more outfits were created, and the red pants passed the test with flying colours.

It is a privilege that we can purchase items and return them if they don’t work out. It means that we can use the best dressing room of all — the one in our home — to confirm that the items we buy can be incorporated into outfits that we love.

This outfit is an example of a formula that I wear very frequently because it’s simple, comfortable, practical, warm and just fashionable enough. It combines a pair of jeans with a fluid pullover, pair of on trend booties, a belt, clutch and coat. No scarf or jewellery, apart from a watch, wedding ring and my specs. It’s both a fast fall back outfit, and my casual uniform. 

This rendition of the formula showcases two items I bought at last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The Equipment Sloane Print Cashmere Sweater and Burberry Brit Tumblebridge Cotton Peacoat. Both are updated modern classics with a high longevity factor. It’s their fit and trims that add a current flavour. Their finish and fabrication achieves the refinement I seek in most of my wardrobe items.

I don’t normally gravitate to grey items, but the blue flowers on this sweater were love at first sight and had “denim-friendly” written all over them (the yellow light of sunset is turning the grey in these pictures a little warmer than it is in person). Also injecting happiness into the piece is the pattern mixing of the body and sleeves, and the fact that I’m wearing it with my bright green specs. The fluid fit, welt, raglan sleeve and high neckline were further plusses. 

The welted style of the sweater lends itself to faux tucking and showcasing a belt. I tuck the welt of the sweater behind the belt to show the buckle. I also tuck a portion of the back welt into the waistband to showcase more of the jeans and belt, leaving the sides of the sweater untucked. I don’t always faux tuck sweaters this way, but lately, I’m in the mood to expose a little bottom curve. 

I’ve wanted a classic Burberry coat for a while, but did not want one in stone or black. When the ink blue darling came my way during the NAS, I took it as a sign and snapped it up right away. Although I bat for Team Gold, I love the brushed silver buttons, which along with the roomier tailored fit gives it a modern integrity. It’s a lightweight topper to wear on milder days, so it’s sufficiently different to my longer and warmer ink blue military coat. I usually wear the Burberry unbuttoned because I like the way it swooshes when I stride. Outfit movement is important to me. But it looks more polished buttoned up, which I rather fancy too. 

The J. Brand skinnies are six years old. They’re tight, but their longer length and roomy scrunch from the knee down makes ALL the difference to me, making them feel and look less body con than they are. The zippers on the hems provide a fun detail that sets them apart from other skinny jeans. I like the way they create an asymmetrical line on my boots when I unzip the zipper. These jeans are thick and low rise, which I find very comfortable. So much so that I wear them on very long flights. They always look pristine and do not bag out. It’s no wonder that these are still one of my favourite pairs of jeans. 

The belt, a gift from a friend, and the Zara booties, a few years old, are ink blue. That way they match the coat, and create a softer look than black. The trendy pointy toe on the booties adds more Modern to the outfit, as does the citron clutch (the most used handbag in my wardrobe). I usually wear a belt with this outfit combination for extra outfit interest and polish. Without the belt, I feel unfinished and underdressed. 

I’ve also worn this exact outfit with AG Nikki relaxed skinny jeans and KUT’s white Catherine Boyfriend jeans. Adding the trendier element of boyfriend jeans makes the outfit more fashionable, but it’s fun to change up the look with tight skinnies. 

A new outfit from Carelia Morán of My Small Wardrobe, who we introduced to YLF in July 2013.

Statement accessories take centre stage in this monochromatic look worn for a day of sightseeing in New Orleans. Carelia lets her blue felt fedora with wide brim, oversized sunnies, big arty necklace and fab smile do the talking. A very simple support act consisting of a fun polka dot midi pencil skirt, fluid fit V-neck sweater, and well-fitting ankle boots provides the perfect neutral canvas for this dramatic casual look. A little red lipstick as the finishing touch, and she is ready to wow the city.

Finding a suitable sports bra is tricky. As with any bra, you need to consider both aesthetics and comfort, but here comfort will probably be the higher priority. There are six variables to consider when finding the style that is perfect for you. 

1. Size of your bust: A larger bust requires a more supportive bra. Conversely, support will be less critical for a smaller bust. 
2. Intensity of the workout: A high-impact workout requires a more supportive bra than a low-impact workout. 
3. Underwire or wireless: Sports bras come with or without underwire. Underwires tend to be even more supportive, but you can choose wireless styles and feel perfectly secure. Most brands offer both options. 
4. Pull-on versus back-fastening: Sports bras can be pull-on styles without fastening, or fasten at the back like a regular bra.
5. Your sensitivity to uni-boob: Bras that do not separate in the middle can cause what some consider to be an unflattering uni-boob effect. Consider bras with centre separation if this bothers you. 
6. Racerback or regular bra style: Sports bras can be racerback or regular. Some sports bras can be converted into racerback styles. Racerback styles tend to work best for sloping shoulders (the straps don’t fall off our shoulder), and sleeveless tank tops. But regular bra straps might be more comfortable. 

Most women wear their normal bra size in a sports bra, although this is not always the case. I wear a 30 or 29 inch band in a regular bra, but a 32 inch band has fit in the past if the sports bra runs very small. Opt for a snug fit for maximum support. 

I recently asked our forum members, who represent an excellent cross-section of shapes and preferences, about their favourite sports bras. Here’s a summary of the wealth of helpful information that they provided, categorized by the brands that were the most popular.

Moving Comfort

Moving Comfort sports bras were the most popular. They offer excellent support for all bust sizes, and are especially good for C-cups. They are great for running, yoga, Zumba and weight training. Their highly adjustable straps are a big plus for short-waisted body types. Their convenient back closure makes taking the bra on and off super easy. They are breathable, wicking, extremely comfortable and quick drying. They offer bust shaping without inner pads. And although the bustline is not separated, uni-boob is kept to a minimum. An excellent bra to wear on long flights. Available in a very broad range of sizes.

Shock Absorber

As their name implies, Shock Absorber bras offer amazing support for a large bust during high-impact sports. You will be securely locked and loaded and very comfortable. Surprisingly, Shock Absorber bras are equally good for small busted ladies because they create a nice shape and smooth coverage over the nipple. Excellent availability of sizes. 

 

Athleta

The Gap Sprint Reversible Bra is fab for the small busted lady. Their removable inner pads keep the nipple covered, which creates an extra smooth finish and a bit of shape. But the pads shift around while you launder, which is annoying. Their Extreme Control Sports Bra provides great support for a larger bust without ample coverage. 

 

Panache 

An extremely supportive bra for a larger bust, especially during pregnancy. Lots of extra coverage. Available in an impressive range of sizes (it might be the only brand that makes your bra size). No uni-boob effect because the styles separate in the middle. Great for any high-impact workout. Most styles convert to racerback. 

 

Freya

Another excellent highly supportive bra with or without wire. Creates a pointy bust shape, but a beautiful shape nonetheless. Straps are long enough for long torsos. Large collection of sizes, and nice full coverage on top. 

 

La Isla

The La Isla bra comes highly recommended for very good shape and support on a larger bust with no underwire and a separated centre. Excellent nipple coverage too. 

 

Under Armour

If you’re sensitive to chafing in a sports bra, this is the style to try for a small to average size bust. The removable cups migrate after laundry, so they’ll need readjustment. Although the cups are not separated, the uni-boob effect is minimal.

 

Lululemon

The Ta Ta Tamer provides excellent support for high-impact workouts. They also have fashionable strappy sports bras for the smaller bust that create a fun look when wearing loose sleeveless tees over the top, (check out the styles from the back). But their size assortment is narrow so you might not get the correct fit. 

 

Wacoal

If you prefer a sports bra that looks less sporty, and more like a regular bra, Wacoal is a good option. These bras do not show through under tops, if you’re after an “invisible” sports bra. I wear one of these for walking and yoga and it’s still going strong after ten years.

 

Anita International

Anita is similar to the Panache bra, but with less coverage over the bust in front. They are also available in Europe, and come in an excellent assortment of sizes for larger cups. Not the bra for the small chested lass. 

 

Champion

A good option for small chested gals and low-impact workouts. Durable, comfortable and lightweight. The style from Target is an affordable $10, but does not have a back closure. 

Enell

This bra looks like a crop top, and can be worn without layers. Of course, it works just as well under a tee or sports top. Great support for a large bust and high-impact workout. They size their bras a little differently, so you might not find the correct fit. 

 

One of our members wears a regular racerback bra under a Danskin shelf bra tank top when she works out. It’s a cost-effective option for a small to medium sized bust and high-impact workout. Forum members outside the US and Canada recommend Casall and Triumph sports bras. By all means do add to this list if your favourite sports bra has not been mentioned.